Bhubaneswar: It was a proud day for Odisha on Saturday when an Odia MP Presided over the Rajya Sabha proceedings after 20 years.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Dr Sasmit Patra debuted as a Vice Chairman of Rajya Sabha in the House on Saturday. He conducted the proceedings in the Upper House during the discussion on Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance Bill, 2020.
On his taking the Chair, MPs cutting across party lines felicitated and congratulated Patra for debuting as the Vice Chairman. After the session closed for the day, several Rajya Sabha members extended their best wishes and remarked that despite being one of the youngest MPs in the House, his conducting the proceedings in a polite manner and with patience was liked by all.
On his part, Patra dedicated this significant occasion to his party chief and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the 4.5 crore people of Odisha, “without whom this journey to the Rajya Sabha would not have been possible in the first place”.
The MP said it was indeed a proud moment for Odisha and its people to see an Odia preside over the Upper House in Parliament.
Notably, the last time an Odia MP had presided over proceedings in Parliament was Sanatan Bisi (BJD) 20 years ago.
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